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Bobwhite quail        Images © Mark A. Chappell

The bobwhite (named for its characteristic two-note call) is the only native quail in eastern North America.   Males have striking facial markings; females are less flashy.   Like most quail they are cryptically-marked ground-dwellers that move about in nervous coveys, ready to run or fly into cover at any disturbance.   Consequently they're very difficult to photograph unless -- as here -- they are accustomed to visit feeding or watering stations.   These bobwhite were photographed at two locations near Edinburg and McAllen, Texas.

  • Canon 1D3, 500 mm IS lens, some with 1.4X converter, a few with fill-in flash (2007)